23andMe Launches New Genotyping Services for Research

July 13, 2016

Service offers scientists a turn-key research platform for complete, cost-effective genotyping with the ability to return information to study participants

Mountain View, Calif. – July 13, 2016 – Today 23andMe announced the launch of its new Genotyping Services for Research (GSR) platform, providing scientists with an end-to-end service to incorporate genetic information into their studies.

“GSR simplifies the genotyping process and allows any researcher with an IRB-approved study to incorporate genetics into their research, regardless of their own genetics expertise,” said Ruby Gadelrab, 23andMe’s vice president of commercial marketing. “Typically research studies don’t return any data to the participants. We’ve enabled researchers to give results back to participants in the form of the 23andMe experience, which we believe is a huge advantage in recruiting. This is the way research studies of the future will be conducted, as evidenced by the desire of those leading the Precision Medicine Initiative to return results to participants.”

23andMe’s GSR is for researchers recruiting participants for prospective studies and looking to generate genetic information from those cohorts. Researchers will be able to use 23andMe’s GSR platform to track and manage their projects, and download data in real-time as samples are genotyped through the new 23andMe Researcher Dashboard. When paired with 23andMe’s mobile API for ResearchKit, researchers will have the ability create apps to collect digital phenotypes on smartphones to study alongside genetic information.

The end-to-end service includes non-invasive sample collection, DNA extraction, genotyping (arrays, reagents and sample processing), data and project tracking for researchers, and return of 23andMe reports to participants.

GSR also simplifies the recruiting process, offering non-invasive sample collection through a simple saliva kit, and the ability to recruit nationally by shipping the 23andMe kit directly to participants’ homes.

Those who have signed on to pilot the GSR platform prior to today’s full launch are conducting studies as varied as smoking cessation, cognitive impairment in glioma patients as well as addictions and psychiatric disorders. The list of current collaborators includes researchers at McMaster University/St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton; the University of California, San Diego; the University of Southern California; and Washington University in St. Louis, among others.

“Partnering with 23andMe permits us to both accelerate the pace of our work and reduce infrastructure costs. Furthermore, it allows us to give back to our study participants who are interested in their genetic ancestry and health risks. It’s a real ‘win-win’ for us.” James MacKillop, PhD, Director, Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University/St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

“The GSR platform will now allow us to collect genetic information directly from patients participating in medical research studies that use mobile technology. We’re hopeful this data can accelerate breakthrough discoveries for complex diseases such as multiple sclerosis.” Daniel Pelletier, MD, vice chair of research, Department of Neurology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

More information on 23andMe Genotyping Services for Research is available at www.23andme.com/researchers.

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The information stated above was prepared by 23andMe and reflects solely the opinion of the corporation. Nothing in this statement shall be construed to imply any support or endorsement of 23andMe, or any of its products, by The Regents of the University of California, its officers, agents and employees.

About 23andMe

23andMe, Inc. is the leading consumer genetics and research company. Founded in 2006, the mission of the company is to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome. The company was named by TIME as a “Genius Company” in 2018, and featured as Fast Company's #2 Most Innovative Health Company in 2018. 23andMe has millions of customers worldwide, with more than 80 percent of customers consented to participate in research. 23andMe, Inc. is located in Mountain View, CA. More information is available at www.23andMe.com.

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